In her daily life, Rodelyne Estrada is considered a sweet, hardworking high school student.

But starting Wednesday, the 18-year-old will transform into one of the most wicked storybook characters of all time: Cinderella’s Stepmother.

Estrada, also known as Ro, is performing the role in San Diego Civic Youth Ballet’s production of “Cinderella.” The show opens to student audiences on Wednesday and continues with public performances in Balboa Park through April 6.

The Paradise Hills teen, who was raised in the same neighborhood in which her mom grew up, tells us about life as a young ballerina.

Q: What attracted you to ballet? Why have you continued with it through high school?

A: What first attracted me to ballet was the grace and beauty. After a few classes, I realized there’s more to ballet than just looking pretty. Ballet is a lot harder than what most people think, and what kept me going through high school was knowing that there was never an end or a dull moment in ballet. I love challenges and ballet was one of the hardest challenges I could have ever taken. Ballet is my outlet to a carefree and creative place.

Q: How demanding is your role as Cinderella’s Stepmother?

A: It’s actually quite demanding because of the acting involved within the dance. I have to alter my attitude and movements in order to get into my character, which sometimes is tricky. This role is also quite fun. Some of the dances are really funny, and I find myself laughing with my peers, having a good time. I have rehearsal twice a week after my regular ballet classes, which often makes for a very long evening.

Q: How do you juggle school work and dance?

A: It can be quite stressful at times. I keep a schedule for my schoolwork and dance, so they never interfere. I spread out and do a majority of my assignments two days before the due date. I try to do as much as I can during school hours, and my free time before and after ballet class.

Q: Do you plan to continue ballet after you graduate high school?

A: Oh yes, most definitely! I was recently admitted to California State University, Fullerton as a dance major. I plan to broaden my knowledge and experience in dance, mentally and physically. If I can juggle my college responsibilities, I also hope to take outside training with a dance school in the Fullerton area. I also hope to double major in kinesiology; I’d love to study the movement of the body in relation to dance.

Q: What’s the most difficult part about being a ballerina? And the best?

A: Insecurity. Insecurity is one of the hardest things to overcome as a dancer in general. A ballerina has a certain look, and you also have to be able to do certain movements and skills on command. I was lucky enough to learn the style, but I don’t have the body type that ballet looks for. But becoming a ballerina has to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. When you dance, you transform yourself into a different person. It’s almost like having super powers because not everyone can do what a ballerina gets to do.

Q: Do you think San Diego is a good place for dance?

A: Yes. We have a diverse culture and we’re exposed to all sorts of dance — hip-hop, Polynesian, tap, contemporary, modern, etc.

Q: Do you do any other kinds of dance or arts?

A: Yes, I take modern dance at my high school. I try to take master classes in modern, contemporary ballet, jazz and hip-hop. In my free time, I like hand-making different hair clips out of old, reusable materials.

Q: So, what do your feet look like? Is it true that ballerinas have blisters and bruises?

A: My feet are actually not that bad-looking. I have slight bunions on both feet but nothing abnormal or severe. I’ve never gotten a blister from pointe shoes but have gotten bruises from them. I try to take good care of my feet.

Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to find out about you?

A: I hold a second-degree red belt in Taekwondo and have competed in sparring tournaments in the past, having placed in second and third place. It’s a very tough and manly sport versus ballet’s soft and graceful style. Due to the demands of ballet training and rehearsals, and AP/Honors classes, I had to stop training in Taekwondo. I hope one day I can return and get my black belt.

Q: Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend.

A: Going to Balboa Park — or even Old Town, Little Italy, Coronado — and experiencing the art and culture. I really enjoying going to museums and events held at Balboa Park, and love that it’s close to the San Diego Zoo, Hillcrest and South Park. When I go to these places, I feel like a tourist and always find something new to love.

What I love about Paradise Hills ...

Aside from growing up in the same neighborhood as my mom, I like how close it is to the places I enjoy. The park, the mall and many restaurants are nearby. I especially like that my grandparents and cousins are within walking distance. I also have to say that I have great neighbors who look out for me and my mom.